Rugby union will be missing from this week’s Stan Calvert Cup programme, but supporters should not read anything sinister into its disappearance as student athletes from Newcastle and Northumbria Universities do battle.

The rugby match between the city rivals has long provided a well-attended culmination to the multi-sport event between ‘Posh’ and ‘Poly’, Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park being packed with students from both institutions in recent seasons.

Two years ago the fixture was mired in controversy when a Northumbria streaker ran onto the field and tackled a Newcastle player, while supporters of both sides have crossed the line in some of their off-field behaviour.

But it is purely down to sporting reasons that rugby has been wiped from the itinerary this time round, Northumbria head coach Si Culley explaining: “We just couldn’t fit it in this year, with falling so close to the British University and College Sports (BUCS) knock-out games.

“I spoke to my counterpart at Newcastle University, Matt Carter, and we are both very big on player welfare.

“There are simply not enough days for our players to recover from the game in such a short space of time, bearing in mind the importance of the BUCS knock-out matches.

“It is regrettable because Stan Calvert is a huge event in student sport, but ultimately it is the sensible decision.”

Northumbria meet the winner of Leeds and South Wales in the BUCS Vase, Newcastle travelling to Exeter in the main Championship.

It is Northumbria’s women who are ripping up trees, however, homing in on BUCS Cup glory after winning their league for the first time, even without England’s Abbie Scott and Caity Mattinson.